David Ruffley MP, the Shadow Minister for Welfare Reform, has today voiced his support for Suffolk's farming community in their competition against low quality foreign imports.

To show his solidarity with the region's farmers and to promote animal welfare David has put his name to House of Commons Early Day Motion 1625 which reads:

'That this House welcomes the European Commission proposal to create an animal welfare label for meat and fish products which would differentiate between food produced to basic welfare standards and that obtained with higher standards; believes this would improve the protection and welfare of farmed animals, enable consumers to make more informed choices, and would help British farmers, with their high standards of production, compete against low quality imports which can be passed off as British under current rules; and calls on the Government to give active support to, and promote this scheme for the benefit of consumers, animal welfare and the British agriculture industry.'

David said:

'It is of great importance that we not only improve the welfare of farmed animals but also provide support to domestic farmers who currently have to compete against low quality foreign imports.

'I have always been a staunch supporter of Suffolk's farming community, who pride themselves on the high quality of their produce, and it is time that consumers were given clear and concise information about the standards of production through an animal welfare label on food packaging.

'This House of Commons Early Day Motion urges the Government to support the proposal to create an animal welfare label for meat and fish products which will enable farmers from our region and across the Country to compete against low quality imports currently being passed off as British.'